Car Finance Documents: Protect Your Identity in 5 Minutes
Car finance applications expose your complete financial profile to fraudsters. Stop identity theft before it starts with this 5-minute protection system that spots fake dealers and secures your documents.
Executive Summary: 5-Minute Car Finance Protection
Verify First
Check FCA register before sharing ANY documents. 90% of fake dealers fail this test.
Share Securely
Never email bank statements. Use encrypted links that auto-delete after viewing.
Watch for Red Flags
Documents requested before test drive = scam. Legitimate dealers never ask this early.
Time Investment: 5 minutes to verify • Identity Theft Prevention: 99.9% effective • Average Scam Loss Avoided: £15,000
The 5-Minute Dealer Verification Process
Before sharing ANY documents, spend 5 minutes verifying the dealer. This simple check stops 90% of car finance scams.
FCA Register Check (2 minutes)
- 1. Visit register.fca.org.uk
- 2. Search dealer's business name
- 3. Verify "Consumer credit" permission
- 4. Check address matches their showroom
Red flag: If they're not listed or lack consumer credit authority, they cannot legally arrange car finance. Stop immediately.
When Legitimate Dealers Request Documents
Instant Scam Detection
NEVER Share Documents If:
- • Requested before test drive
- • Dealer not FCA registered
- • Using personal email (Gmail, etc.)
- • No physical showroom address
Safe Sharing Timeline:
- • Day 1: Contact details only
- • After test drive: Basic income info
- • Serious application: Full documents
- • Never: Banking passwords
Secure Document Sharing
Never email bank statements or ID documents. Use encrypted sharing that automatically deletes after viewing.
Smart Document Protection
- Watermark documents: "FOR [DEALER NAME] CAR FINANCE ONLY - [DATE]"
- Redact unnecessary details: Keep salary deposits, remove shopping details
- Use secure links: Password-protected with automatic deletion
- Track access: Know exactly who viewed your documents when
If Something Goes Wrong
Emergency Action (Do immediately)
- 1. Stop all communication with suspected scammer
- 2. Report to Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040
- 3. Alert your bank's fraud department
- 4. Check credit reports for unauthorized applications
Never Share Documents Insecurely Again
Stop exposing your financial data to car finance scams. FileSeal's military-grade encryption protects your bank statements and ID documents with one-time links that auto-delete after viewing.
✓ Zero-trust encryption ✓ One-time download ✓ Automatic deletion ✓ Watermark protection